Kyler Alvord
Updated on: October 11, 2024 11:28 pm GMT
John Stewart Envisions Living School Amidst Lismore’s Transformation
A new educational initiative is taking shape in Lismore’s Central Business District (CBD). John Stewart, the founder of the Living School, has shared his vision for repurposing historic buildings to create a dynamic school environment. His plans, which were outlined in detail on September 5, 2024, are ambitious yet grounded in the reality of Lismore’s recent flood challenges.
Development Application Submitted
John Stewart purchased the Brown & Jolly building on Woodlark Street in January 2021, intending to transform it into the Living School. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent flooding significantly delayed the project’s progress. However, the recent submission of a development application (DA) has reignited hope.
This DA includes reports on necessary safety measures, explicitly addressing the building’s soil contamination and asbestos issues, which, according to Stewart, are common for Lismore’s properties. He stated, “Soil contamination was there, but that’s all of Lismore, really.”
Addressing Community Concerns
Community concerns about the impact of a school in the CBD have been prevalent. Stewart aims to alleviate these worries by emphasizing the importance of proper planning and community integration. He explained that before the DA’s submission, he participated in pre-lodgement meetings to understand public sentiment and make necessary adjustments to the project.
Key aspects of the DA process include:
– Traffic reports
– Acoustic assessments
– Building efficiency analyses
– Flood management strategies
Stewart pointed out that the time-consuming nature of this process, which has taken around two years, is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance. He expressed optimism that the DA could be approved within 90 days, allowing construction to begin swiftly.
Mitigating Flood Risks
Given Lismore’s history of major flooding, flood mitigation strategies are at the forefront of Stewart’s plans. He believes that the new school can provide a resilient structure capable of withstanding potential natural disasters.
Stewart stated, “We understand that floods come and go… but we can mitigate against floods.” The school’s design includes features meant to enhance its robustness in the event of a flood:
– High ceilings and open spaces to prevent water accumulation
– A walled garden with a rainforest to absorb excess water
– Building materials resistant to flood damage
Additionally, in the event of a flood, the school intends to support local businesses by offering space for essential equipment, such as refrigerators and freezers, to be stored on upper levels.
Innovative Learning Spaces
Stage one of the Living School’s construction will focus on the back lanes of the building where various recreational areas will be created. These will serve as both learning and play environments for students, designed to foster creativity and connection with the community.
Features will include:
– A half-court basketball area
– A yoga studio
– A dedicated space for pickleball
Stewart emphasizes that the objective is to integrate educational spaces into the community rather than isolate them. “If we do it properly, the building will be able to mitigate against floods,” he assured.
Future Expansion Plans
Once stage one is completed, the focus will shift to the Woodlark Street side of the Brown & Jolly building. Here, additional learning areas will be developed, alongside community-friendly features such as a café run by students and unique attractions like a slide in place of an escalator.
The vision for these spaces is to honor Lismore’s historical architecture while fostering a sense of community:
– Restoration of the building’s original features, including cast iron pillars and pressed tin ceilings
– Creation of a school environment that encourages students to engage with local shops and facilities
Stewart noted, “We want people to see the heritage of Lismore, to feel a part of Lismore.”
Enhancing Community Engagement
Stewart envisions the Living School as a catalyst for community interaction. He encourages parents and children to be part of the vibrant CBD atmosphere by walking or biking to school. Programs will be implemented to support this initiative, including setting up bike stations that promote active transportation.
In addressing construction concerns, Stewart assured that disruptions will be minimal and confined to the building area. He aims to preserve the integrity of daily life in Lismore, stating, “We are not reshaping the building; we are repurposing it while keeping its original look.”
Stewart is excited to start building the Living School. His dream shows how much he cares about education and helping the community get stronger. The school aims to teach kids and support Lismore as it grows back from tough times. The Living School will be a place where students can learn and a symbol of the Lismore community’s courage and spirit.
